‘Old Spirituals and Gospel Concert’ at WheatonArts

MILLVILLE — Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center presents “Old Spirituals and Gospel Concert” on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Event Center. In order of appearance the groups are: New Bethel AME Gospel Choir; The Whittington Family of Port Norris; Transforming Truth Ministries; and South Jersey Community Men’s Gospel Choir.
WheatonArts Director of Cultural Studies, Iveta Pirgova, explains that the origin of spirituals can be traced back to the slavery period of the African Americans who created these remarkable sacred songs. Although numerous rhythmic and sonic elements of the spirituals can be traced to both West African and European sources, they are a musical form that is indigenous and specific to the religious and social experience of African Americans in the U.S. Many of the spirituals are performed in a “call and response” singing style that relates them to the work songs of the early 19th century, while others are known to have carried double meanings associated with the Underground Railroad practices.
Pirgova continues, “Spirituals later evolve into a more sophisticated form called Gospel. There are different types and versions of Gospel and many of them utilize choirs, incorporate distinct musical improvisation, with piano and/or Hammond organ, drums, bass guitar or other instrumental accompaniment. Earlier forms of Gospel fuse musical elements of both the spirituals and the blues while its more recent developments incorporate elements of Hip Hop, R and B, or Rap. Spirituals and Gospel not only reflect religious, aesthetic and social values of the community, but also have significant impact on other musical genres and have become an integral part of the American musical heritage and cultural identity.”
New Bethel AME Gospel Choir. According to Sheila Brown-Saunders The New Bethel AME Gospel Choir has been together since August 2008. It was formed under the leadership of Minister Robert Brown Jr. who also became Minister of Music/Choir Director and after a consultation with Pastor Evelyn E. Booze who, at the same time, had been praying for the formation of a Gospel Choir. The choir has 20 members and performs both traditional and contemporary gospel music, including songs such as The Blood Still Works, Who Is On The Lord’s Side and Every Praise. Vocalists are accompanied on organ (Minister Robert Brown) or piano and drums (Eliseo Villalongo). Soloists are Joanna Villalongo and Stephanie Gonzalez. The choir performs at other venues upon invitation, including other churches and the New Jersey Veterans Memorial for their Spring and Christmas concerts.
The Whittington Family of Port Norris. Folklorist and author Dr. Rita Moonsammy of Tabernacle, NJ, describes the group…”Whittington’s history and artistry are rooted in a community story that is not well-known outside the maritime towns of the Mid-Atlantic region. They have been a significant force in passing on the tradition of singing a cappella spirituals that have been important to the African American communities of oyster shuckers in such towns as Crisfield, MD, and Port Norris, NJ. While these songs are staples of African American churches, they hold additional meaning for oyster shuckers as the music of the workplace. The incorporation of the spirituals into the workplace occurred partly because shuckers work in different styles and at different paces. They were paid either by the pound or gallon, and so each one attempted to go as fast as he or she could. Singing the spirituals helped them keep up their own pace by keeping up their spirits. Beryl and his children have contributed to preserving their heritage within the community and educating the public in a number of ways. Every year, the family performs at the Bay Days Festival in Port Norris, where audience members often join in with the singing. For his contributions to the local culture and traditions, Beryl was recognized in 2008 by the Bayshore Discovery Project with a Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Transforming Truth Ministries. Dr. MV Perry states, “Transforming Truth Ministries and its Music Ministry were formed in May of 2005; so we are relatively young. The TTM Praise Team/Choir provides the music for every Sunday service. We have also sung in a number of other churches in South Jersey. Earlier this year we were the lone choir in concert in one of the Vineland churches. Out of the unique tradition of ‘everybody sings’ our choir is comprised of adult men and women and adolescents.
Some of our young members have sung with us since they were children. Heading the Ministry are five experienced musicians: Minister Darrell Neube, director and keyboardist; Mrs. Annette Johnson, organist; Maurice Johnson, guitarist; and Kevin Ford and Lance Sherrer, both drummers and keyboardists. Our music is inclusive of some familiar Negro Spirituals, as well as traditional hymns, early Gospel standards, Praise and Worship selections, and contemporary Gospel.”
South Jersey Community Men’s Gospel Choir. Group member Barry Ballard says, “The growing need for men to become more involved as role models in their churches and communities as well as my love for Gospel music inspired me to work toward establishing a South Jersey Community Men’s Gospel Choir. Currently, the choir has 66 members who represent 18 various churches in the South Jersey community. Our goal is to be more than a group of singers. We currently visit hospitals, nursing homes and veteran’s homes to spread God’s Word and to comfort and support those who are shut-in and are less fortunate than some of us. At this time, most of the music for the SJCMGC is what is referred to as traditional “Black Gospel” music. This is, generally speaking, a compilation of improvised hymns (Jesus the Light of the World, O Come All Ye Faithful), and revamped Negro Spirituals (Ride On, King Jesus).
Some of our musicians are also writing compositions for the choir. This type of music leans heavily on strong vocals, call and response, and hand-clapping. While a cappella music can be included in this genre, we typically rely on the familiar sounds of the Hammond organ, piano and/or keyboards, lead and bass guitars, drums, and a saxophone.”
Concert ticket prices: Adults $10.00; WheatonArts Members $9.00; and at the door $15.00. Children 12 and under are free but require a ticket. To order tickets, call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, extension 100, stop by the Gatehouse or visit wheatonarts.org.
The Folklife program at WheatonArts has provided multicultural, multigenerational programs and educational resources since 1995, engaging and serving over 53 ethnic and cultural groups throughout South Jersey.
WheatonArts is open Tues. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 5, 2014. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission: Adults $10.00, $9.00 Senior Adults and $7.00 Students. Children five and under are free. For additional information about WheatonArts call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800 or visit wheatonarts.org.
WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for additional needs. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, and the Cumberland County Urban Enterprise Zone. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.